Giving folk dances a boost

The department of language and culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh conducted a programme titled ‘Prapancha Janapada Dinosthav’ to celebrate the World Folk Dances Day at Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music and Dance College on Tuesday. Indian folk and tribal dances are simple and they express joy and happiness. Traditionally folk dances are performed to celebrate festivities.

Andhra Pradesh has a rich traditional and beautiful dance forms like Burrakatha, Veeranatyam, Buttabommalu, Dappu, Tappet Gullu, Lambadi dance, Dimsa, Kolatam among others. These folk dances are presented with artistes adorning bright and colourful costumes with different musical instruments.

About 200 artistes from across Andhra Pradesh participated in this festival. Apart from the aforementioned dance forms, the artistes performed folk dances like Pulivesham and Shakti Vesham. Chief guest Karnati Lakshminarasaiah commented, “Folk art forms are ever green and public enjoy the essence of it as it is closer to their lives.”

Lakshminarasaiah urged the authorities concerned to protect the traditional art forms as the present generation is not keen to learn these art forms.
Dr D Vijaya Bhaskar, director, department of language and culture, stated that these folk-dance forms are the heartbeat of the public.

“The government particularly the chief minister is keen to protect and promote these folk forms on par with Kuchipudi. We are giving the dance troupes an opportunity to perform whenever there is a possibility.”